FOCUS Vol. 33.1 Spring/Summer 2021
on Pediatrics
New center in Greenville makes the cut
INSIDE
State’s first Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Clinic opens in Columbia Playing it forward – indoors and out New and graduating residents and fellows
Focus on Pediatrics is published by Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. Medical editors Joseph L. Maurer, MD James Stallworth, MD Managing editor Jeanine Halva-Neubauer Contributing writer Nancy Parker Photographer Multimedia Services Art director Jenny Farquharson Editorial board Nichole Bryant, MD Bill Cooke Carl Cromer, MSN, FNP-BC Carley Howard Draddy, MD Ann Faulks Jennifer Hudson, MD Robin LaCroix, MD Jonathan Markowitz, MD, MSCE Brenda Rankin, MHA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC Janine Sally, MS, CCC-SLP Kerry Sease, MD, MPH R. Caughman Taylor, MD If you would like your name added to or removed from our mailing list or have any comments, questions or suggestions, please send the appropriate information to: Marketing Services Prisma Health 300 E. McBee Ave. Suite 200 Greenville, SC 29601 864-797-7538 The information contained in the Focus is for educational purposes only – it should not take the place of medical advice or diagnoses made by healthcare professionals. All facilities and grounds of Prisma Health are tobacco free. “Prisma Health” and Prisma Health symbol design are trademarks of Prisma Health. © 2021 Prisma Health 21-1175
FROM THE MEDICAL DIRECTORS
Providing pediatric hospital care close to home Our Children’s Service Line acknowledges that, when possible, families want their care delivered close to home. In response, satellite specialty clinics have been set up across the Upstate and Midlands to provide subspecialty evaluations to areas that previously would have required an hour or two of travel to reach one of our Children’s Hospitals. With the success of the outpatient services and the patient satisfaction that has resulted, our service line began to partner with facilities to explore developing satellite general pediatric programs in the community hospitals of Prisma Health. Strategically located facilities in Sumter and Seneca were the areas identified to start general pediatric services by helping families avoid prolonged travel for routine pediatric care needed in a hospital setting. Tuomey Hospital (Sumter) has a long history of pediatric care and a Level II nursery. The pediatric hospitalist team there offers a broad scope of care with the safety net of a transfer to our Children’s Hospital in Columbia for subspecialty or higher level of care. Oconee Memorial Hospital (Seneca) also had a pediatric program, but with the addition of a Family Medicine Residency, the need for a robust general pediatric unit was recognized. The pediatric hospitalist team there supports the service, educational and community needs by allowing children who do not require subspecialty care to remain local. They also have the availability to transfer any child needing specialty or a higher level of care to our Children’s Hospital in Greenville.
Greer Memorial Hospital will relaunch a pediatric community program that was closed last year to provide space for adult COVID-19 patients. This program also supports a Level II nursery, which will allow children from the northern part of the Upstate to stay closer to home – again with our Children’s Hospital in Greenville serving as a safety net for transfer. As these sites of satellite pediatric inpatient care continue to grow, the tertiary centers in Greenville and Columbia will support the care they provide with subspecialty telemedicine consults and advisement, allowing children in local communities to receive additional expert support. In return, the community will see increased access of care for children as our service line strives to meet the Prisma Health purpose: Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference.
Robin N. LaCroix, MD, Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital (Upstate)
R. Caughman Taylor, MD Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital (Midlands)
CONTENTS
Inspire health. Serve with compassion. Be the difference.
2
Greenville’s Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Center helps bring the Prisma Health purpose to life.
Better playtimes are ahead.
4
Comfort and joy increase – inside and outside.
Learn about our new and graduating residents and fellows. Congratulations, one and all!
7
2
Departments What’s new?
10
In Columbia: New clinic opens, endocrinology services expand
Collaborating for better care 12 Partnership merges the medical and legal to benefit patients Clinical case report 14 Do you have an eye for solving this mystery?
4
Medical Staff spotlight 15 Meet our new physicians; Dr. Saul ‘retires’ Leadership profile
17
Get to know Dr. Kerry Sease and Brenda Rankin
In the community
18
Remembering Wesley Gaskins, a volunteer extraordinaire
Research update
19
12
Sickle cell program receives grant
Celebrations
20
Philanthropic news
Bulletin from the Bradshaw Institute
22
Diaper Bank changes lives; mobile vans deliver COVID-19 vaccines
Phone directory
23
A handy guide for both Children’s Hospitals
This publication was created with COVID-19 precautions in mind.
On the cover: Prisma Health’s Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 1.
18
LEAD STORY
Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Center opens The Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Center, recently opened at Prisma Health Patewood Hospital in Greenville, helps ensure a seamless transition from hospital to home for breastfeeding moms and their newborns. Note that moms do not have to deliver at Patewood Hospital to take advantage of these services. The center is staffed with internationally board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) and occupational therapists specializing in newborn therapy. Therapeutic services for newborns are provided by Kidnetics®, a department of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. So whether mom or baby is having challenges, the center has them covered in one convenient site. The center has its own private entrance. Once inside, moms can feel at home in this warm, nurturing environment. Special breastfeeding recliners, low lighting and spa-like amenities provide the perfect atmosphere to relax and embrace these teaching moments.
The center features spa-like amenities for breastfeeding moms.
2
Support for moms Many new mothers do not realize that breastfeeding is a skill that she and her baby must learn together. That means it may take a while to get the hang of it. IBCLCs provide one-on-one sessions that offer hands-on assistance, expert help and individualized planning to speed this learning process. Common issues they address with breastfeeding moms include: • • • • • •
Complications with latch Sore nipples Milk supply issues Breast engorgement Collection and storage of breast milk Follow-up for preterm feeding difficulties
Support for baby Multiple factors may affect a newborn’s ability to coordinate suck-swallow-breathe actions, such as: • Latch issues • Sleepiness/arousal • Inability to suck • Respiration • Oropharyngeal skills • Anatomical structures Sometimes, the cause is obvious, but oftentimes not. Kidnetics occupational therapists, led by a board-certified feeding specialist, can help identify and correct many newborn feeder issues. In addition, our therapists can help with these conditions: • Cranial facial anomalies (cleft lip, cleft palate, micrognathia) • Torticollis • Shoulder dystocia • Erb’s palsy • Clavicle fractures • Neonatal abstinence syndrome
To schedule an appointment To make an appointment or learn more about center services and how they can help patients, call: • For breastfeeding and lactation support (no referral needed), 864-797-1020. • For Kidnetics occupational therapy (referral needed), 864-331-1350. Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Center 175 Patewood Dr. Greenville, SC 29615 Hours: Weekdays 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Learn more about Kidnetics at: https://PrismaHealth.org/Kidnetics
Muted colors and hardwood floors offer a soothing environment.
Health benefits of breastfeeding Because breast milk provides all the nutrients a baby needs, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months, with exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Breast milk helps protect babies from developing obesity, diabetes, childhood leukemia, ear infections, allergies, GI and respiratory illnesses. For moms, breast milk offers protection from conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and breast and ovarian cancers. A combined health benefit is that breastfeeding promotes natural bonding between a mother and her newborn.
3
F E AT U R E S TO RY
‘Play stations’ bring comfort and joy The past year has witnessed positive changes in play spaces – both inside in Greenville and outside in Columbia. A sea change at Patewood campus As we closed the doors to playrooms during the pandemic, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in the Upstate used this time to undertake renewal projects, ultimately bringing comfort and joy to pediatric patients and their families. In September 2020, we unveiled a new pediatric waiting room at Prisma Health’s Patewood Outpatient Surgery Center in Greenville. The waiting area is reserved for children scheduled for outpatient surgery. There was an identified need here to update the furniture and overall room décor to increase comfort levels and overall patient experience.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a sea change to play areas, such as this one on Patewood campus, with renovations being undertaken while playrooms were closed for health and safety reasons.
4
Upon arrival, patients have already gone without food or drink for up to 12 hours. An empty tummy can certainly add to the stress associated with having an operation. That’s why a vibrant, engaging playroom is vital in keeping children distracted and happy while awaiting surgery. This renovation was made possible through monies raised during the 2019 Radiothon and through the fundraising efforts of Boosterthon.
Getting comfortable on Greenville Memorial campus Following the renovations on Patewood campus, Children’s Hospital at Prisma Health’s Greenville Memorial Hospital began construction on a $70,000 playroom renovation, thanks to a generous gift from multiple donors. Bright geometric circles now hang from the ceiling where faded sea creatures once floated. Floors mimic the hardwood that patients might have at home. Accent walls are painted blue (not pictured), which research suggests creates a soothing environment. New furniture holds weary caregivers as they watch a smile return to their child’s face during a game of air hockey. This room serves as the main play area for children 0–18 years old admitted to Children’s Hospital. It is in this space that we invite kids to visit for a bit of normalcy. And it is here where children can engage in craft activity each day, hosted by child life specialists, without fear of medical procedures.
An engaging, comfortable setting awaits those on the sixth floor of Children’s Hospital.
All renovations were specifically designed and built with families in mind to help ease the burden of prolonged hospital stays and clinic visits.
‘Comforting’ win results in new playground for Columbia Close your eyes. Envision standing outside on a warm, sunny day. You hear the laughter of youngsters at play. You open your eyes and spy a playground of children – some in wheelchairs, some with IV poles, all with joyful faces. You are outside of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in the Midlands. In 2015, White Cloud (a tissue products company) held a “Real Comfort, Real Kids” video contest in collaboration with Walmart, a Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals partner. The Children’s Hospital team worked with Prisma Health Midlands Foundation to create a video that answered the contest question, “How would you bring comfort to kids at your hospital?” Our team had been dreaming of an outdoor play space for years, so our answer was simple: With a playground!
Grace Lady, USCDM 2020–21 president, with Christy Fink, Manager of Child Life and Special Programs for Children’s Hospital in the Midlands. 5
Our Children’s Hospital team members rallied behind our dream, and we submitted a stirring video. Thrilled to win the $30,000 grand prize, we quickly realized we would need much more funding to create this safe outdoor space. As they have so many times before, members of our community and the University of South Carolina Dance Marathon stepped up to help make our dreams a reality. Today, the USC Dance Marathon playground at our Children’s Hospital is a gated, inclusive, outdoor play space for those of all ages. From the poured-in play surface that is not only shock absorbing but also smooth so that wheelchairs and IV poles can easily navigate the terrain, to the shady seating for caregivers, our playground has enabled us to expand our therapeutic psychosocial care for patients and families.
The highlight is our roller slide, which provides a tactile and auditory experience with no static electricity, so patients with cochlear implants can slide without fear of having their hearing device affected. Rounding out our playground experience are expansive awnings that provide shade to keep our play space accessible yearround. Creating spaces for hospitalized children to play gives them an outlet to process their emotions and master their experiences. It also leads to better coping and outcomes in their healthcare journeys. Our USC Dance Marathon Playground is that special place, thanks to the University of South Carolina Dance Marathon, White Cloud, CMN Hospitals partners and our community.
Our playground houses two large play structures: one for patients ages 2–5 and the other geared for patients age 6 and above. Each structure addresses developmentally appropriate skills through play and engages patients’ vestibular, proprioception, tactile, auditory and visual senses. To make our playground accessible for all, we added touches such as height-transfer landing pads on each play structure, wide ramps and our OmniSpin Spinner that can accommodate patients who are wheelchair dependent. The playground is scheduled to officially open this fall.
Congratulations to USC Dance Marathon (USCDM) for raising more than $619,000 this year for Children’s Hospital in the Midlands – and more than $7 million since the partnership started in 1999. A program of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, USCDM fully funds the Child Life Program and, more recently, the USC Dance Marathon Playground. 6
S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster, pictured with USCDM 2020–21 president Grace Lady, recognized USCDM with a proclamation declaring March 23, 2021, as South Carolina Dance Marathon Day.
ACADEMIC NEWS
New and graduating residents Welcome, new Pediatric residents! Midlands Alyssah Aldinger, DO: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Jake Andrews, DO: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Spartanburg, South Carolina
Aldinger
Andrews
Baker
Bryant
Christian
Clinton
DaVolio
Dennison
Dubs
Marshall
M. Patel
S. Patel
Max Baker, MD: University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky Chris Bryant, MD: University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina Noah Christian, MD: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Gabe Clinton, MD: Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, Charleston, South Carolina Alyssa DaVolio, DO: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Spartanburg, South Carolina Elizabeth Dennison, MD: Florida State University College of Medicine–Pensacola, Pensacola, Florida Karly Dubs, DO: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Spartanburg, South Carolina Mallory Marshall, MD: University of Alabama– Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama Milap Patel, MD: University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina Sonal Patel, MD: University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina Katie Taylor, MD: University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina
Taylor
7
Upstate Emily Denney, MD: Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia Madison Ferguson, MD: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina Emilie Flament, DO: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, Pennsylvania
Denney
Ferguson
Flament
Howard
Laughter
McLure
Montana
Ruppel
Schwartz
Vinson
Yates
Brewer
Gross
Hughes
Isaac
Miller
Snooks
Matthew Howard, MD: University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Jackson, Mississippi Abigail Laughter, MD: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina Valerie McLure, MD: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia McKenzie Montana, DO: Campbell University–School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lillington, North Carolina Ashley Ruppel, MD: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, Columbia, South Carolina Samuel Schwartz, DO: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, Virginia Kaitlyn Vinson, MD: East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina Alexandria Yates, MD: Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
Welcome, new Medicine-Pediatrics residents! Upstate Nick Brewer, MD: University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Jackson, Mississippi Kelly Gross, MD: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina Brenham Hughes, MD: East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina Dillon Isaac, MD: University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina Renee Miller, MD: University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York Joseph Snooks, MD: Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia 8
New and graduating fellows Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Incoming: Derek Collins, MD Medical school: West Virginia University School of Medicine, Charleston, West Virginia Residency: Charleston Area Medical Center–West Virginia University, Charleston, West Virginia
Graduating: Meghan Doyle, MD Prisma Health Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics, Greenville, South Carolina
Congratulations, Pediatric graduates! Midlands Elizabeth Beaty, MD: Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona Meghan Brown, MD: Blue Sky Pediatrics, Asheville, North Carolina Alyssa Buono, MD: Southeast Health Pediatrics, Richmond Hill, Georgia Rachel Burch, MD: REX Healthcare of Holly Springs, Holly Springs, North Carolina Kelli Davis, DO: Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee Joshua Godwin, MD: Highlands Pediatrics, Abingdon, Virginia April Hobbs, MD: Prisma Health Department of Pediatric Neurology, Columbia, South Carolina Heather Lynn, MD: Franklin Health Pediatrics, Farmington, Maine Christina New, MD: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
Ella Payne, MD: Riley Children’s Health at Indiana University, Carmel, Indiana Jennifer Raffaele, MD: Assistant Program Director/Chief Resident, Prisma Health Pediatric Residency Program, Greenville, South Carolina Rebecca Roland, MD: Cherokee Health Systems, Knoxville, Tennessee Frederick Suhrstedt III, MD: Sports Medicine Fellowship, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky Shane Sundlie, MD: Clinton Medical Clinic, Clinton, North Carolina Paige Thompson, MD: Newborn Hospitalist, Prisma Health Patewood Hospital, Greenville, South Carolina Grace Williams, MD: Doctors Clinic, Hartselle, Alabama Alex Yu, MD: Assistant Program Director/Chief Resident, Prisma Health Pediatric Residency Program, Greenville, South Carolina
Paige Patterson, DO: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
Congratulations, graduating MedicinePediatrics residents!
Dalton Renick, DO: Carilion Pediatrics, Roanoke, Virginia
Upstate Justin Holladay, MD: Prisma Health Heritage Pediatrics & Internal Medicine–Simpsonville, South Carolina
Kelsey Snedecor, MD: Palmetto Pediatrics, Blythewood, South Carolina Upstate Aubrey Fleming, MD: Cardinal Pediatrics, Bridgeport, West Virginia
Quinn Hunt, MD: Prisma Health Heritage Pediatrics & Internal Medicine–Wren, Piedmont, South Carolina Eric Polley, MD: Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
Brittiany Gray, MD: Parkside Pediatrics, Greenville, South Carolina
Jackie Queen, MD: Hematology/Oncology Fellowship, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
Jessica Groot, MD: HomeTown Pediatrics, Clinton, South Carolina
Zachary Wood, MD: Prisma Health Pediatrics & Internal Medicine–Wade Hampton, Greenville, South Carolina
9
W H AT ’ S N E W ?
First-in-state clinic debuts in Columbia Nationwide, tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) affects 50,000 people; an estimated 850 South Carolinians have this rare genetic condition. Last fall, the Prisma Health Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Clinic was established in Columbia to offer a multidisciplinary approach that effectively treats the disorder and promotes TSC education and research. The only such clinic in South Carolina, it has received designation from the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance. According to that organization, its “recognition and endorsement provides assurance … that the care provided to TSC patients meets appropriate quality standards for best possible outcomes in this complex and frequently difficult rare genetic disorder.”
Cramer
“We are a multidisciplinary clinic,” said pediatric nephrologist and Clinic Director Monica Cramer, DO, MPH, “and that enables us to follow the latest diagnostic and treatment recommendations and provide care consistent with the highest national guidelines.”
Dr. Cramer continued, “At our clinic, patients see a group of providers at the same visit who can address their multisystemic needs. Patients may begin with mild disease, but other organs can become affected over time. So these patients need to be monitored.”
One of 66 clinics nationwide The TSC Clinic sees a range of patients – infants to the elderly, those recently diagnosed and those living with the condition for years. Patients also exhibit a range in terms of the organ systems affected and the degree to which they are affected. At the clinic, patients regularly see a pediatric neurologist (Cecilia Fernandes, MD, MBBS), nephrologist (Dr. Cramer), neurosurgeon (Catherine McClung-Smith, MD, FAANS), social worker (Asha Purohit, MPH, LMSW) and, as appropriate, a developmental pediatrician (Marjorie Cloninger, PhD, NCSP). Then, patients are referred to pediatric specialists in cardiology, dermatology, ophthalmology and pulmonology as needed. Often, children with TSC present with seizures in the first several months of life, and a neurologist is the first to diagnose and refer them. Other symptoms include
10
heart tumors detected in utero, significant developmental delays and a rash typical of TSC. Clinic specialists are willing to partner with referring physicians who wish to stay involved in the care of the patient. “We are happy for patients to remain with the referring doctor,” said Dr. Cramer. “We recommend that we see patients at the clinic annually to make sure they’re getting all necessary care coordinated with other specialists – and to offer them research or clinical trial information.” Dr. Cramer and the other clinic specialists stay abreast of the latest treatments by meeting multiple times a year with Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance experts, attending symposiums and participating in research conferences. The TSC Clinic takes place the fourth Friday monthly at Prisma Health Pediatric Nephrology, 9 Richland Medical Park Dr., Suite 270, Columbia, SC 29203. To learn more about the clinic, call Michelle Sanders, LPN, Clinic Coordinator, at 803-434-3572. For information on TSC resources, visit: • tsalliance.org • tsalliance.org/community-alliance/southcarolina Clinic specialists • Pediatric neurologist Cecilia Fernandes, MD, MBBS • Pediatric nephrologist Monica Cramer, DO, MPH • Pediatric neurosurgeon Catherine McClung-Smith, MD, FAANS • Social worker Asha Purohit, MPH, LMSW • Developmental pediatrician Marjorie Cloninger, PhD, NCSP
“At our clinic, patients see a group of providers at the same visit who can address their multisystemic needs.” – Monica Cramer, DO, MPH
Pediatric Endocrinology expands services Prisma Health Pediatric Endocrinology in the Midlands has expanded its services to further educate and improve outcomes in patients with diabetes. Provider Laura Szadek, DNP, brought two additional staff members to the team – Gwendolyn Girdler, NP, a certified diabetes educator, and Cagney Butler, RN, a nurse educator – to address these metabolic needs in our pediatric community: • Lipid disorders • Impaired fasting glucose • Elevated A1c levels
The team’s lipid program was developed to address a growing need from community pediatricians to refer patients with hyperlipidemia. Patient education is stressed to prevent artherosclerosis or cardiovascular disease in these children as they age. “You know if you have diabetes, because you’re symptomatic; but with hyperlipidemia, you don’t feel it,” she said. “There are no symptoms until you have a cardiovascular event. This is why the educational component of our services is so important, because what we learn as children usually gets carried forward into adulthood.”
• Managing noncritically ill children with new onset diabetes mellitus in the outpatient setting • Outpatient diabetes re-education for poorly controlled patients with diabetes mellitus ‘We’ve seen an increase in type 2 diabetes, unfortunately, since the onset of COVID-19,” said Dr. Szadek. “Being out of school for so long, kids have been living a more sedentary life at home.” She continued, “We also take children with other disorders, such as kidney disease, which can lead to significant hyperlipidemia. We work in collaboration with our nephrologists to keep those kids healthy until they go to transplant.” Szadek
“Our goal is to provide comprehensive education to our pediatric patients and families so that we may prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and promote overall healthy lifestyles.” – Laura Szadek, DNP
2021 IBCLC Care Award The 2021 IBCLC Care Award recognizes hospitals, birthing facilities, birthing services and community-based health agencies with international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) and a dedicated lactation support program. The Prisma Health Center for Pediatric Medicine in the Upstate was one of only three sites in the Southeast to recently receive this two-year award for its quality improvement efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life in a culturally competent manner and to support lactating moms as they return to work. The center has two sites in Greenville and one in Travelers Rest.
11
C O L L A B O R AT I N G F O R B E T T E R C A R E
Medical-legal partnerships help patients thrive Article author Blake Windsor, MD Edited by Jonathan Markowitz, MD, FAAP James Stallworth, MD, FAAP
Both the MLP in Greenville and CHAMPS serve vulnerable patient populations to reduce health-harming legal barriers, increase access to healthcare and improve overall community health. At its core, these services merge legal and clinical solutions to identify and address potential health risks, remove civil legal barriers, and help disadvantaged families find new pathways for success. Greenville’s program aids pediatric and geriatric clients while CHAMPS focuses on pediatrics only. Both help families in need – free of charge – navigate the cumbersome legal and healthcare systems that so many face. “A lot of wonderful low-income families have very serious and widely varying health-harming civil legal needs,” said Kirby Mitchell, an SCLS attorney who directs Greenville’s MLP. “These needs can and do include all kinds of issues, ranging from employment law and public benefits to education and family law. We are determined to be holistic and responsive to patient needs and meet the families where they are.”
SCLS attorney Kirby Mitchell meets with an adult patient needing legal assistance.
The reality that social determinants of health need to be addressed with help beyond the medical field led to the creation in 2016 of the Medical Legal Partnership (MLP) in the Upstate between what is now Prisma Health, Furman University and South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS). A year later, a similar partnership developed in the Midlands called CHAMPS (Carolina Health Advocates Medicolegal PartnerShip), which partners with Prisma Health, the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, University of South Carolina School of Law and SCLS.
12
In one example, a 1-year-old with cystic fibrosis was repeatedly admitted to the hospital with trouble breathing and lung infections. The MLP attorney successfully challenged the landlord over a mold-infested apartment, and the landlord was forced to move the family and provide new tiles and air filters. As a result, the child’s breathing improved and hospital admissions dropped. In another case, a baby discharged from the neonatal ICU continued to need complex round-the-clock care. When Medicaid cut the approved hours, the CHAMPS attorney successfully appealed the denial – the infant received the care needed and a return stay in the hospital was prevented.
“While many health issues land in medical offices, not all health issues can be resolved in medical offices.” — Emily Suski, LLM, JD, MSW, CHAMPS legal director “Providers have always recognized these issues,” said Emily Suski, CHAMPS legal director. “Now they have a place to go for help for patients who have been improperly denied services.”
Emily Suski, LLM, JD, MSW, CHAMPS legal director
She added, “We’re grateful for the strong support we get from our healthcare partners. We couldn’t get the effective results we do without our working together.”
Kerry Sease, MD, MPH, Medical Director of Prisma Health Accountable Communities and of the Bradshaw Institute for Community Child Health & Advocacy in the Upstate, said that as health systems move toward routine screening for increased vulnerability and the social drivers of health, collaborative relationships with local services are needed to address identified concerns. “Such programs represent one very important collaboration,” Dr. Sease said. “I practice pediatrics at a different level now by addressing legal needs connected to the child’s health and ultimately improving the overall health of the family unit.”
Five years and 1,000 referrals Greenville’s Medical Legal Partnership – the first of its kind in South Carolina – celebrated 1,000 referrals from Prisma Health providers in March 2021. In addition to SCLS, both graduate and undergraduate students from Furman University play a partnership role by observing and participating in discussions around patients’ needs, both in the exam room and the conference room. Benefits of the program have shown: • MLP patients report lower levels of stress • MLP patients with chronic illnesses have fewer hospital admissions • Healthcare service costs decrease for high-need, high-cost patients who would typically go to the hospital • MLP patients are more likely to take their medication as instructed • Clinical services are more frequently reimbursed by public and private payers, resulting in healthcare system savings “We are proud of the impact this program has had on our community and the families we have helped,” said Catie Buckingham, LBSW, program director of Medical Legal Partnership with Prisma Heath and Furman University. “We hope our referring physicians and providers will share in this success, celebrate this milestone with us, and help continue the great work for many years to come.”
The MLP in Greenville is available to all geriatric and pediatric providers at Prisma Health. To make a referral for pediatrics, click here. (To make a referral for geriatrics, click here.) For assistance in the Midlands from CHAMPS, pediatric providers and staff can call or direct patients to call 803-777-9243 or 803-777-2278.
Addressing health-harming legal needs can improve patients’ and families’ long-term health.
During the program’s first full year of operation, an MLP intern from Furman University gathers information from a family at Greenville’s Center for Developmental Services, a network of care providers (including Prisma Health) for those with special needs.
13
CLINICAL CASE REPORT
What’s the diagnosis? A 7-month-old male with no concerning past medical history presents for abnormal eye movements. The mother shares that these movements had started since their last well child visit, subtly, around age 4 months, and have become more noticeable over time. This is the first time the child has been seen by a physician since his 4-month well visit. Movements are bilateral, with left eye greater than right, and are described as shimmering movements of the eyes in a horizontal fashion. The mother says the child’s head moves abnormally in an ill-described manner. There is no fever or constitutional symptoms. The child is developing and growing normally. There is no family history of epilepsy. An uncle has Tourette’s syndrome. The mother had eye surgery when she was an infant but does not know the reason why. The baby is alert with normal vital signs. The physical exam is within normal limits except for the eye and head exam. His eyes demonstrate nystagmus-like rapid oscillations horizontally. The red reflex is present. His head moves occasionally, bobbing front to back. The fontanelle is soft, and no torticollis exists.
What’s your diagnosis? A. Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome B. Occult neuroblastoma C. Spasmus nutans D. Joubert syndrome E. Bobble-head doll syndrome
A CBC and CMP are normal, as is an abdominal ultrasound. Additionally, a head MRI with orbital views and EEG are normal. Ophthalmologic consultation is pending.
Have you figured out the diagnosis? See Page 16 for the answer.
Click here To see a short video of this condition.
Article authors
Reproduced with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. www.aao.org Jonathan Markowitz, MD, FAAP, NASPGHAN-F
14
James Stallworth MD, FAAP
M E D I C A L S TA F F S P O T L I G H T
Meet our new physicians Welcome to these new physicians in the Midlands and Upstate. All are or will be in the process of being approved for faculty appointments at the University of South Carolina Columbia or Greenville – an academic health center – depending on their location.
MIDLANDS Inpatient Pediatrics, Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital (Sumter) Michael Abercrombie, MD, earned his medical degree at Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine in Charleston, South Carolina, and completed his Pediatrics residency at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina. He can be reached at 803-434-7945.
UPSTATE General Pediatrics Andreea Stoichita, MD, completed her medical degree at University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia in Columbia, South Carolina, and her Pediatrics residency at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina. Dr. Stoichita is working as a pediatrician at both the Center for Pediatric Medicine (864-220-7270) and the Ferlauto Center for Complex Pediatric Care (864-220-8907). Jennifer Raffaele, MD, completed her medical degree at Albany Medical College in Albany, New York, and her Pediatrics residency at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina. Dr. Raffaele is working as a pediatrician with the Center for Pediatric Medicine. She can be reached at 864-220-7270.
Alex Yu, MD, completed his medical degree at East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City, Tennessee, and his Pediatrics residency at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina. Dr. Yu is working as a pediatrician with the Center for Pediatric Medicine. He can be reached at 864-220-7270.
Pediatric Neurology Adrienne Bruce, MD, completed her medical degree at Washington University in St. Louis, located in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Bruce completed a Child Neurology combined residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. She can be reached at 864-454-5110.
Pediatric Sleep Medicine/Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders James Hungerford, MD, FAAP, completed his medical degree at University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee, where he also completed an Internal Medicine & Pediatrics residency. He then completed two fellowships: Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and Sleep Medicine at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He can be reached at 864-454-5660.
15
Robert Saul, MD, ‘retires’ Robert Saul, MD, recently retired from a 41-year pediatric career. However, to say Dr. Saul “retired” is a misnomer. Dr. Saul has been an Upstate pediatrician and clinical geneticist serving children in South Carolina since 1981, when he joined Greenwood Genetic Center and then led the development of the Greenwood Community Children’s Center. In 2013, he joined Prisma Health to head the Center for Pediatric Medicine practices. These offices serve as the residency training sites and are the largest Medicaid provider of care in the Upstate. Dr. Saul has cared for children across the age spectrum and also served the medically complex children’s program at our Ferlauto Center for Complex Pediatric Care. But full-time pediatrics was not enough to keep Dr. Saul occupied, so he filled his spare time as the author of four books and more than 100 articles and publications. He also played an active role on national American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) committees, the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Admissions Committee and as Chair of Prisma Health’s Institutional Review Board. At present, the indefatigable Dr. Saul is the president of the state chapter of the AAP, continues to work on research projects and serves on state committees as an advocate for children. When asked about his future plans, Dr. Saul said, “making a difference on the never-ending journey of lifelong learning” and “helping children and families who need tireless advocates.”
Thank you, Dr. Saul, for your ongoing dedication and commitment to the children of the Palmetto State!
The diagnosis (continued from Page 14) Answer: C. Spasmus nutans Spasmus nutans is an acquired disorder that typically presents by age 2. The diagnosis is a combination of head nodding, ocular oscillations and abnormal head positioning. It is idiopathic in nature and usually disappears by age 3 or 4. It is important to have imaging studies of the brain and an ophthalmologic evaluation to rule out other disorders, especially cerebellar abnormalities or optic nerve pathology. Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome in young children is most often due to a paraneoplastic process, with occult neuroblastoma leading the list. Joubert syndrome, associated with cerebellar vermis dysplasia and renal cystic disease, can present with abnormal eye movements. Bobble-head doll syndrome – a rare neurologic disorder associated with third ventricle pathology – produces pressure on neural pathways, leading to abnormal head movements. References Allarakhia IN and Trobe JD. “Opsoclonus myoclonus presenting with features of spasmus nutans.” J Child Neurol. 1995;10:67–68. Kiblinger GD, et al. “Spasmus nutans-like nystagmus is often associated with underlying ocular, intracranial, or systemic disorders.” J Neuro-Ophthalmol. 2007;27:118–122. Winter T. ”Spasmus nutans.” Neuro-Ophthalmology, Oct. 14, 2015.
16
LEADERSHIP PROFILE
Meet two of our leaders Kerry Sease, MD, MPH
Brenda Rankin, MHA, BSN, RN
Dr. Sease is Medical Director of Accountable Communities and Medical Director of the Bradshaw Institute for Community Child Health & Advocacy, both part of Prisma Health. A general pediatrician who trained at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in the Upstate, she completed a fellowship in Community and Academic Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and earned her master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health.
Brenda Rankin is Director of the Prisma Health Children’s Service Line. In 1989, Rankin graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and began her nursing career working in the pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital. Her husband was active duty military; in her travels with him, she worked as a nurse in Virginia and New Jersey before settling in South Carolina in 1995.
Dr. Sease then returned to Greenville, serving as Program Director for the Pediatric Residency for 10 years at Children’s Hospital. She became the Bradshaw Institute’s medical director in 2015 and was instrumental in initiating school-based health programs across the Upstate. Her expertise in community health needs and innovative programs led to the incorporation of the Bradshaw Institute in the Accountable Communities program, expanding Dr. Sease’s role of that department. This year, she has also been instrumental in developing a mobile strategy for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, targeting underserved areas of the Midlands and Upstate.
In January 1996, she accepted a position in the ICU at Children’s Hospital in the Midlands. At that time, Children’s Hospital was located on the ninth floor of the main hospital on Richland campus.
Her role in Accountable Communities allows her to work in the Midlands to expand school-based health, enhance community COVID-19 vaccine outreach, participate in focus groups around vaccine hesitancy and collaborate with the Midlands community to evaluate opportunities such as PASOs expansion. (PASOs, which means “steps” in Spanish, helps strengthen Latino communities in South Carolina through education, advocacy and leadership development.) Dr. Sease is also the state’s leader for the Carolinas Collaborative, a network of advocates from all eight pediatric academic institutions across North and South Carolina. The collaborative’s mission – to promote the well-being of children – is focusing on food insecurity.
She was promoted to Assistant Nurse Manager in July 1998. In May 2002, Rankin transitioned to the role of Case Manager for Children’s Hospital. She returned to the pediatric ICU in August of that year as Nurse Manager. In April 2008, she became Director of Nursing for Children’s Hospital and helped move the hospital into its current site on Richland campus in June. Rankin served as the Director of Nursing there for 11 years. In March 2019, she became Director of the Children’s Service Line. Her responsibilities include working with other leaders to develop strategic initiatives that create an exceptional consumer experience, reduce per-capital costs, improve clinical outcomes and the health status of children, and support team member well-being. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and spending time with family. The Rankins have two daughters and two grandsons. Their family also includes a dog and three cats.
She, her spouse and their two teens enjoy serving the community through Interfaith Hospitality Network, which allows families with children to stay together as they confront homelessness.
17
IN THE COMMUNITY
Remembering a special volunteer In October 2020, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in the Midlands lost a gem when long-time volunteer Wesley Gaskins died of COVID-19 complications. Gaskins, a two-time childhood cancer survivor, found purpose in giving back. For seven years, his infectious smile brought joy to Children’s Hospital. Whether greeting families at the front door and helping them find their way or diligently working to help the Child Life team, he always made everyone feel valued. “Wes was the heartbeat of our Children’s Hospital,” said Christy Fink, Manager of Child Life and Special Programs. “His drive to be here day in and day out was inspiring. He never met a stranger, and he always left you feeling better than he found you. Wes’ pure heart and authentic nature were evident in all that he touched. We are all better people for having known and loved Wes.”
“Wesley had a habit of saying to each of us, ‘Don’t tell anyone, but you’re my favorite.’ With all our nurse managers and child life therapists, he had about 50 favorites. That’s why we put up a sign when he left that said, ‘No matter where you are, you will ALWAYS be our FAVORITE.’ “ –Brenda Rankin, MHA, BSN, RN
His badge may have said “volunteer,” but Gaskins took his work at Children’s Hospital seriously. Overcoming his own healthcare battles and the challenge of finding transportation from Kershaw County to Children’s Hospital three to five days each week, he persevered and never wanted to let his Children’s Hospital family down. When asked in 2018 how he would want to spend free time, the answer came quickly, “Right here at Children’s Hospital.” Mother Wendy was there every step of the way, acknowledging the important role that her son’s dedication to Children’s Hospital played in his well-being. Prioritizing his schedule around her own work hours, she made sure he could spend as much time as possible at the hospital before the pandemic curtailed volunteer participation. This special volunteer became a staple at the facility, weaving his way into the hearts of team members through acts of kindness and eagerness to help. In his quiet, humble way, he became indispensable to the team. When the devastating news of his passing reached Children’s Hospital, no one was left unaffected by the loss. Team members rallied to channel their grief by reaching out to the Gaskins family to offer support. The outpouring of love was so great that the Children’s Hospital family collected enough money to provide meals and aid with funeral expenses. Noting that Wesley Gaskins was irreplaceable and unforgettable, attending Scott Carney, MD, suggested naming our front “boat” desk The USS Wesley. In this way, Gaskin’s legacy will always be a part of Children’s Hospital.
Wesley Gaskins surrounded by some of his “favorite” pediatric caregivers in 2018. 18
R E S E A R C H U P D AT E
Sickle cell disease news This space highlights academic and research initiatives at our Prisma Health Children’s Hospital sites that are improving the lives of children and adolescents across South Carolina. In this issue, the spotlight shines on Prisma Health’s Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Program in the Upstate in connection with Prisma Health’s Pediatric SCD Program in the Midlands. Program Director Alan Anderson, MD, recently received exciting news about the final execution of the contract to join the American Society of Hematology SCD clinical trials network. The network, launched with a mission of improving outcomes for those with this rare disease, is an unprecedented national effort to streamline operations and facilitate data sharing to expedite development of new treatment options. The network and its partners share a commitment to: • Forge new relationships with the SCD community to increase their understanding of clinical trials and trust in SCD researchers. • Eliminate inefficiencies through use of a centralized data repository (the ASH RC Data Hub) and a single institutional review board approval. • Focus on research opportunities that hold the most promise for individuals with SCD. Not only does this contract bring $100,000 a year to Prisma Health for research, but it also connects our programs to other leading programs in SCD research and treatment across the country. Congratulations, Dr. Anderson, and to our hematology colleagues in the Upstate and Midlands for their acceptance into this important program!
September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month.
Camps for those with sickle cell disease CAMP KEMO Programs Teen Retreat (Midlands) Wednesday–Friday, Aug. 4–6 Camp Cole near Eastover, S.C. A teen retreat for patients with sickle cell disease or cancer (off therapy only) ages 12–19. Sponsored by CAMP KEMO Programs, which offers psychosocial services to patients treated at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. Contact Cassandra.Shea@PrismaHealth.org. Camp Crescent (Upstate) Sunday, Sept. 19 Pleasant Ridge Camp & Retreat Center near Marietta, S.C. A one-day, medically supervised camp for children and adults with sickle cell disease and their families. Transportation available for those who need it. Sponsored by Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. Registration opens in August. Contact Bradshaw.info@PrismaHealth.org or Carrianne.Stoker-Postier@PrismaHealth.org.
‘Ville to ‘Ville Relay Race for children In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, we invite you to support Aniket Saha, MD, and other team members running in the annual ‘Ville to ‘Ville Relay Race on Sunday, Sept. 26. Funds raised will support Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Program at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in the Upstate. These services focus on treatment, disease modification and preventive care for children and families in the community. Although the race is now closed to participants, your financial support for this effort will provide vital services to our patients and their families. To contribute: VISIT: https://bit.ly/TeamMeade TEXT: TeamMeade to 41444 19
C E L E B R AT I O N S
Both of our Prisma Health Children’s Hospitals have many reasons to celebrate!
Prisma Health Midlands Foundation
Midlands Foundation funds $425,000 for pediatric ambulance In August 2020, Prisma Health Midlands Foundation launched the “New Wheels for Precious Cargo“ campaign to fund a new ambulance for Prisma Health’s Pediatric Transport team and Children’s Hospital in Columbia. Thanks to 96 donors, more than $425,000 was raised for a larger ambulance that will replace the Midlands’ aging vehicle. When babies are critically premature or when children are severely ill and at another hospital within a 16-county region of central South Carolina, our Pediatric Transport team is called, no matter what the time. Within minutes, this special team travels to the child’s location in the critical care ambulance to provide stabilization and safe transport to our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in Columbia. Prisma Health takes pride in providing high-quality neonatal care, with Level III NICUs at both Prisma Health Baptist Hospital and Richland Hospital, totaling 99 bassinets. The NICU at Richland Hospital serves as a regional perinatal center, and our Children’s Hospital has the only PICU in the region. The Pediatric Transport team also takes children who need heart surgery to Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, part of the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston; children with severe burns are driven to JMS Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia. More than 600 critically ill children are transported each year. The ambulance will offer enough space to transport premature twins, along with a critical care nurse and respiratory therapist for each baby. Designed with children in mind, the specialized vehicle will be equipped with safety features, life-saving medical equipment and a media system to help distract a child experiencing pain or anxiety. The “mini-NICU on wheels” is currently in production and will be delivered in October.
The Midlands’ pediatric ambulance will look almost identical to the one acquired by Children’s Hospital in the Upstate (pictured) in 2020. 20
Upstate’s Office of Philanthropy
Pops for Pups Buddy Boo! Bags Sponsored by Ingles Supermarkets October 2021 During October, visit an Upstate Ingles Supermarket to purchase a Buddy Boo! Bag. The Buddy Boo! Bags are an exciting way to spread cheer and fun while raising funds and awareness for the Pops for Pups Endowment Fund to benefit the Prisma Health Canine F.E.T.C.H. Unit. The “boo-ing” is fun to do with your friends, family and especially your kids. Buddy Boo! Bags will come with all you need to Boo! your family and friends! You will leave a treat bag at a neighbor’s door, ring the doorbell, run away and watch the enjoyment as your friends come outside to find their sweet surprise.
Upstate Radiothon was a success! The 14th annual Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Radiothon in the Upstate, hosted by Audacy, raised more than $158,000 over the two-day virtual event. Funds raised will help purchase specialized children’s medical equipment, distraction objects such as games and art supplies, and other items that provide the “extras” that make a hospital stay a little brighter. Throughout the two days, Audacy radio on-air personalities shared stories and interviews from patients and families who have been served by Children’s Hospital. Over the past 13 years, more than $3 million has been raised through our Radiothon.
Campaigns that will benefit our two Children’s Hospitals Check out these Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals partner campaigns: • Dairy Queen: through July; Sept. 1–30; Miracle Treat Day, Oct. 28 • Walmart and Sam’s Club: through July 25 • Speedway “Push” Weekends: July 29–31; Oct. 28–30 • Take 5 Oil Change: July 19–Sept. 25 • Ace Hardware, Bucket Days: Aug. 6–8 • Panda Express, Panda Cares Day: Aug. 8 • Extra Life Tabletop Appreciation Weekend: Aug. 21–22 • Love’s Travel Stop: Aug. 26–Sept. 30; Love’s National Coffee Day, Sept. 29 • Great Clips: Oct. 1–31
Pandemic twist can’t stop dance marathons Despite a changeup in how dance marathons were conducted this year, we thank our resourceful partners for once again raising funds to help our pediatric patients. Midlands • USC Dance Marathon raised more than $619,000. • Ben Lippen School raised nearly $3,000. • Cardinal Newman High School raised more than $18,000. • Dutch Fork High School raised nearly $1,500. • Hammond School raised nearly $3,000. • Wilson Hall raised more than $17,370. • Chapin High School raised more than $1,300. • Ridge View High School raised nearly $400. • Cayce Elementary School raised more than $770. Upstate • The Clemson Miracle Dance Marathon, held Feb. 20, raised more than $170,000 (see photo). • Lander University Dance Marathon, held March 20, raised nearly $8,000. • Western Carolina University Dance Marathon, held March 27, raised nearly $11,000.
21
BULLETIN FROM THE BRADSHAW INSTITUTE
Bradshaw Institute update The Bradshaw Institute for Community Child Health & Advocacy, part of Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in the Upstate, works to create healthy and safe communities, increase access to care for those experiencing vulnerabilities, provide evidence-based strategies to improve health literacy, and ultimately become a best practice leader.
Special thanks go to 2021 sponsor Healthy Blue and numerous community partners for their support in helping young children stay safe. Next Diaper Bank distribution event: Tuesday, Sept. 28, 4–6 p.m., at Patewood campus.
Children's Hospital Diaper Bank The Children's Hospital Diaper Bank, held each quarter, supports families in our community who need help with diapers for children from birth–age 4.
Fall 2021 diaper distribution event: Tuesday, Sept. 28, 4–6 p.m. Patewood campus, 255 Enterprise Blvd., Greenville 29615
Eligibility: To take part in the Diaper Bank, families must meet the eligibility criteria for one of the following: WIC, SNAP or Medicaid. Registration: Families must register for distribution events to receive diapers. For registration forms, go to www.PrismaHealth.org/BradshawInstitute. Registration will open the rst weeks of the month before each quarterly event. To learn more, email the Bradshaw Institute at Bradshaw.info@PrismaHealth.org. This event is made possible thanks to generous sponsorship from Healthy Blue.
National Diaper Need Awareness Week is Sept. 27–Oct. 3.
COVID-19 mobile vaccine events This spring, the Bradshaw Institute has spent much of its efforts hosting dozens of mobile vaccine events around the Midlands and Upstate – March through June. Of the 6,353 vaccinations delivered to adults and children during that time, most were targeted to underserved areas. Mobile vaccine events are slated to continue through the summer and fall.
35,000 diapers were given away June 22.
To learn more, email the Bradshaw Institute at Bradshaw. info@PrismaHealth.org.
Diaper Bank keeps kids clean and dry The Bradshaw Institute hosted its third Diaper Bank distribution June 22 on Patewood campus in Greenville. 360 families took part in this quarterly drive-thru event. In its first three community distribution events, the Diaper Bank has served approximately 1,500 children and given away nearly 100,000 diapers to the community. In addition to diapers, the Bradshaw Institute provided participating families with materials on water safety and conducted car seat inspections. 6,353 vaccines were administered at 105 mobile events in the Midlands and Upstate from March–June.
To learn more, go to PrismaHealth.org/BradshawInstitute. 22
Children’s Hospitals directory Admission to Children’s Hospital (Midlands): 1-800-75-SHOCK (7-4625) General information: 803-296-KIDS (5437) Children’s Hospital (Midlands) doctor/program: 803-296-KIDS (5437)
Admission to Children’s Hospital (Upstate): 864-455-0000 Neonatal Transport: 864-505-1481 Children’s Hospital (Upstate) doctor/program: 1-800-4RBUDDY
Caughman Taylor, MD, Senior Medical Director ..... 803-434-7950 Adolescent Pediatrics .................................................... 803-434-7945 Anesthesiology ................................................................ 803-434-6151 Cardiology ........................................................................ 803-434-7940 Child Abuse and Neglect .............................................. 803-434-3950 Child Developmental and Behavioral Health ........... 803-434-6598 Cochlear Implant Program ........................................... 803-744-2700 Critical Care/PICU .......................................................... 803-434-4603 Dentistry ............................................................................ 803-434-6567 Emergency Medicine ..................................................... 803-434-7088 Endocrinology ................................................................. 803-434-7990 Gastroenterology ............................................................ 803-434-8450 General & Hospital Pediatrics ...................................... 803-434-7945 Genetics ............................................................................ 803-935-5390 Gynecology ...................................................................... 803-434-4100 Hematology/Oncology ................................................. 803-434-3533 Neonatology/NICU ........................................................ 803-434-2912 Nephrology ...................................................................... 803-434-3572 Neurology ......................................................................... 803-434-7961 Neurosurgery ................................................................... 803-434-2700 Newborn Nursery ........................................................... 803-434-6455 Ophthalmology ............................................................... 803-434-2020 Orthopedics ..................................................................... 803-296-9200 Pharmacy .......................................................................... 803-434-3040 Psychiatry .......................................................................... 803-434-4300 Pulmonology ................................................................... 803-434-2505 Radiology .......................................................................... 803-434-2168 Rehabilitation Program .................................................. 803-434-7995 Research ........................................................................... 803-434-3109 Rheumatology ................................................................. 803-434-7995 SCCAMRS ......................................................................... 803-434-3822 Sports Medicine ............................................................... 803-434-6812 SportsMed Concussion ................................................. 803-434-2221 Surgery .............................................................................. 803-434-4555 Urology ............................................................................. 803-434-4555
Robin LaCroix, MD, Medical Director ......................... 864-455-3512 Adolescent Medicine ..................................................... 864-522-4888 Allergy, Immunology and Asthma ............................... 864-675-5000 Ambulatory Pediatrics .................................................... 864-220-7270 Anesthesiology ................................................................ 864-522-3700 Bradshaw Institute for Community Child Health & Advocacy ................................................................. 864-454-1100 Cardiology ........................................................................ 864-454-5120 Child Abuse Pediatrics ................................................... 864-335-5288 Child Psychiatry & Psychotherapy .............................. 864-454-5612 Critical Care/PICU .......................................................... 864-455-7146 Developmental Pediatrics ............................................. 864-454-5115 Emergency Medicine ..................................................... 864-455-6015 Endocrinology ................................................................. 864-454-5100 Ferlauto Center for Complex Pediatric Care ............ 864-220-8907 Gastroenterology ............................................................ 864-454-5125 Genetics ............................................................................ 864-250-7944 Gynecology ...................................................................... 864-455-1600 Hematology/Oncology ................................................. 864-455-8898 Infectious Disease ........................................................... 864-454-5130 Inpatient Newborn Care (Patewood) ......................... 864-797-1301 Inpatient Pediatrics (Anderson) .................................... 864-512-4931 Inpatient Pediatrics (Greenville) ................................... 864-455-0000 Inpatient Pediatrics (Greer) ........................................... 864-455-4411 Inpatient Pediatrics (Oconee) ...................................... 864-885-7522 Minor Care (Greenville): Children’s Hospital After-hours Care ......................................................... 864-271-3681 Neonatal ICU ................................................................... 864-455-7165 Neonatal Intermediate ................................................... 864-455-6401 Nephrology & Hypertension ........................................ 864-454-5105 Neurology ......................................................................... 864-454-5110 Neurosurgery ................................................................... 864-797-7440 Newborn Services ........................................................... 864-455-6265 Ophthalmology ............................................................... 864-454-5540 Orthopedics ..................................................................... 864-797-7060 Otolaryngology ............................................................... 864-454-4368 Pain Medicine .................................................................. 864-522-4888 Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics ......................................... 864-454-4570 Pulmonology ................................................................... 864-454-5530 Radiology ............................................................. 864-522-XRAY (9729) Rheumatology ................................................................. 864-454-5004 Sleep Medicine ................................................................ 864-454-5660 Supportive Care Team ................................................... 864-546-8955 Surgery .............................................................................. 864-797-7400 Urgent Care (Anderson) ................................................ 864-512-6544 Urology ............................................................................. 864-454-5135 Weight Management Program .................................... 864-522-2100
23
Hospital of the Month Children’s Hospitals’ Solutions for Patient Safety Network selected Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in the Midlands as Hospital of the Month for May. The network – created in partnership with the Cardinal Health Foundation, Children’s Hospital Association and the federal Partnership for Patients initiative – represents efforts by 145+ children’s hospitals to create a safe, healing environment for patients and those who care for them. Children’s Hospital was recognized for: • Superb data submission • Reduction in harm events • All Teach/All Learn: Hospital teams took part in networking sessions to develop and implement harm prevention strategies in a variety of areas
Blackburn
“This is something to celebrate!” said Melanie D. Blackburn, MD, associate professor of Pediatrics at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and Director of Quality for the Children’s Hospital in the Midlands. “I am so proud to be a part of this small but mighty team who always seeks to place patient care and safety as a priority.”
Thanks to reduced incidence of COVID-19, a few camps are now being offered this year by Prisma Health Children’s Hospitals for patients and their families. See also Page 19. Midlands
• CAMP KEMO Family Day Camp Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 3 and 4 Camp Cole near Eastover, S.C. A day camp for oncology families who are off therapy.
• Camp New Horizons Friday–Sunday, Oct. 22–24 Camp Kinard near Batesburg-Leesville, S.C. For children who have lost a sibling to cancer or blood disorder. Non-Prisma Health families are welcome. Contact Cassandra.Shea@PrismaHealth.org. Upstate
• Camp Courage (Teen) Sunday–Thursday, Aug. 1–5 (virtual) For teens ages 13–18 with oncology/hematology conditions. Contact Ericka.Turner@PrismaHealth.org.
For Children’s Hospital giving opportunities, contact: Prisma Health Midlands Foundation at 803-434-7275 or PrismaHealthMidlandsFoundation.org. Prisma Health Office of Philanthropy (Upstate) at 864-797-7732 or PrismaHealthUpstateGiving.org.
